Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Happy

We are a nation of animal lovers. Whether it’s cats, dogs, bunnies the list goes on we love our little animal friends. It doesn’t take long for them to become part of the family rather than just a mere possession. I remember when I had cats many many years ago and my cats became my confidants, the only ones I felt comfortable talking to when I was bullied at school as I wasn’t being judge or pressured into any form of action. I would cuddle them and I always felt so much better. My pets were so much more than pets and honestly if we didn’t have them I’m not sure how I would have coped as the bullying went on for years. I would have loved to have a dog too but we didn’t have the space although I knew and still know a few who have dogs and their pets are always as excited to see me as I am to see them.

I’m not one for carrying around a pet especially as a dog in a handbag, dress them up or let them sleep on my bed (eeuuuggghhhhh). Come to think of it that’s probably because I am already carrying around a child with another two in tow so couldn’t cope with the extra baggage. Some of my friends were discussing a friend dog sitting for another friend this week the one with the dog suggested the other have the dog in her bedroom as the other rooms were not dog safe. Funnily enough having the dog stay in the bedroom with her wasn’t of interest even though the dog is well trained. Honestly I don’t blame her as unless washed regularly dogs can smell a little, a bit like children.

You don’t need to have a dog sleep in your room to let them know they are cared for. Although dogs can’t articulate their love for you they can surely express it through their behaviour and happiness within the home. Those wagging tails and excited noises are simply adorable although I’m still not keen on the kisses, I was never great with baby drool either I will add. I think another eeeuuuggghhhh is probably appropriate.

As a caring pet owner, one should consider various things to help enhance their pets quality of life. Remember, your pet is someone who lives with you and loves unconditionally. Once invited into your home they become part of your pack as it were. Their experience within your home will depend solely on you – no pressure, so it is best to do your homework so you can be a more responsible pet owner who can develop a strong bond with their pet.

Toys

Like children dogs need things to keep them occupied or they will misbehave. Toys are great for this and there are so many dog toys on the market. They are available in a range of colours and some even squeak just like a children’s toy making them that bit more fun for your beloved pooch.

Walkies

This is important especially if you don’t have a large garden. Like children dogs tend to be full of energy and you need to let them use this up or else it can become quite destructive within the home. Walks once or if you can twice a day can be great fun for your dog and also help you stay fit and active.

Keep Their Food Interesting

I’d get fed up if I have to eat the same food over and over on a loop we all would and the same can be said about our pets. To keep pets well fed with a mixed nutritional intake that covers all the essentials I would consider switching up their diet from time to time. This is something we do with our bunnies to make life that bit more exciting. If you can’t afford it you don’t need to provide the premium meals. Subjecting your pet to the same meal day in day out can mean they are unable to get a wide range of nutrients in their diet which they need to maintain their health and keeping things interesting.

Luckily, some of the food available can serve a purpose. From chewable sticks available with fibrous coatings to help clean the teeth of your dog to treats which can help you reward good behaviour and even facilitate training. Investing in a varied food supply for your dog can be its reward.

Train

Your pet will feel that it has a defined role in your family if you train it. It is important to establish yourself as a figure of authority and this enables a dog to find its position in the pack/family and it can help with behaviour. Some prefer to train their dogs themselves. My friend did this with her dog who is really well behaved but then she was brought up in that environment with her family breeding and training dogs. For those of us that might not be quite so confident at training a dog there are plenty of professionals out there that can help. Training is generally enjoyable and over time the benefits that accrue will help you bond with your pet. You must make sure you find a reputable firm such as Royvon Dog Training who can help accommodate the needs of your animal as each has its own personality and will need to be cared for accordingly. When I was looking for a company to include google reviews gave them a 4.4 out of 5 so they looked like a great company to include.

For those that have taken in rescue dogs (I have rescue bunnies) it is likely to take a little extra work to help dampen their triggers for aggressive behaviour, a boisterous dog will need more of an active and commanding approach to submit to the training. Using a training school can be good as having a regular place to train your dog helps them understand the attitude they need to adopt when they enter the facility as well as developing a relationship with the expert tutoring you both.

These tips should help you live with a well behaved pet as well as maximising the enjoyment you feel from both sides of the relationship.

What tips would you advise for a healthy and happy dog?

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Our dog Bailey likes a lot of love, but he’s also never been allowed any of our food as a ‘treat’ – we’ve always been on strict on that. He’s really well behaved at our meal times and doesn’t bat an eyelid when we sit down to dinner.

I would absolutely love to have a dog, but the huge commitment that they require has always put me off. I know I simply have not had the time to fulfill the needs as yet. Plenty of exercise, good food and attention are key to a healthy dog. Not forgetting the regular vet checks for things like monthly meds, and yearly jabs.